It is thought the committee would have three members from the four main parties and two from Alliance.

Mr Hain also confirmed that Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will hold talks with the parties before the summer break.

Speaking in London on Thursday, Mr Hain said he wanted the committee to look at work that needs to be done in preparation for government.

Mr Hain revealed he had asked the assembly's speaker Eileen Bell to convene the first meeting of the committee on 6 June to prepare for the negotiations involving the two prime ministers.

He said participation in this committee will show how willing assembly members are to do the business of government.

Negotiations

On Wednesday, Mr Hain said the committee should not be a negotiating body.

He was replying to DUP leader Ian Paisley's concerns that the committee would be used as a negotiating forum.

Mr Paisley had said his party would not take part in talks running alongside those promised between the parties and the British and Irish governments.

While the DUP has been seeking to limit the role which the committee plays, the SDLP said it would only enter it if it was clear "that it is the vehicle for restoration of the agreement's institutions, not a talking shop or meaningless sideshow".

The DUP continues to refuse to enter direct dialogue with Sinn Fein. However, in the old assembly, DUP members took part in committees alongside republicans.